Electronic Alarms and Home Security Devices - Question about monitoring

I have decided to go with a system that can be monitored -- with the system I am considering, I was informed that the monitoring station can 'listen in' through the panel when it goes into alarm.

This seems like an excellent feature [if it works] and:

1] Would like to know if anyone has any feedback on this service, and

2] Do only certain monitoring companies have that service?


Thanks for any help.

The listen-in or 2-way feature is pretty much standard on all modern security systems. <i>Most</i> monitoring companies will have support for 2-way, and <i>all good</i> monitoring companies have it (additional charges usually apply.) Make sure they do not overcharge you for it - the monitoring and the 2-way (together, you shouldn't pay more than $20-25/month.)

Good luck!

Thanks for your reply SW.

I understand the concern abuot overcharging for the monitoring, however, I am looking at this as a packaged deal:

9 wireless contacts, remote call-in keypad, 2 keyfobs, 2 smokes, 1 PIR, 1 siren, and 3 years at [yes] $40/mo!!! all for around $1500-1600.

Does that sound reasonable?

NO NO NO - stop before you sign anything. If you've already signed, don't worry, you can back out - if the equipment is not in, you are under no obligation. And in some states, even if you have had the equipment installed you have a 3 day cancellation on contracts.

First of all, that's about 2-3 times too much for the equipment.
Secondly, NEVER sign more than a 12 month contract (I say 12 months only becuase of the original 1 year parts warranty.)
And thirdly, $40 is waaay too high for monitoring (even with 2-way) - especially if you're paying that much for equipment and installation.

My guess is this is a Simon 3 security system from one of the "free security" companies. Of course, you know, there's no such thing as anything free - especially in the security world.

You need to do some research - do some searching on the internet, find some better prices. Decide if the system you're looking at is really what you want installed - get some specs on it, take a look at some manuals (go to <a href="http://manuals.safewatchservice.com">Manuals.SafeWatchService.com</a> to get some manuals) and, most of all, save yourself a lot of money (up to about $1000 - before monitoring savings.)

There are a lot of systems out there that are extremely easy to install, especially when it comes to wireless systems. Find yourself a good DIY system and put it in yourself. Or, purchase the equipment online and hire someone to come in and put it in for you - you'll still end-up saving hundreds on the equipment.

Let me know if you need any additional help, or if you have any other questions I can help you with.